Long Beach police investigating series of medical marijuana robberies

LONG BEACH >> Authorities have filed charges against a man suspected of robbing a Long Beach medical marijuana collective and are still seeking a second suspect.

Desmond Pulliam, 22, of Long Beach, was arrested Monday and charged Thursday with robbery, possession of a loaded firearm and unlawful possession of a concealed firearm. Police say they found a loaded handgun in his possession, in addition to evidence related to two robberies of marijuana collectives, along with evidence related to a third robbery.

On March 12, a collective in the 1000 block of Redondo Avenue in Long Beach received a telephone order for delivery of medical marijuana, according to Long Beach police. The employee was robbed at gunpoint while responding to the delivery location in the 1000 block of Gladys Avenue.

Police said the employee was approached by two male suspects. After a brief conversation, one of the suspects brandished a firearm and the three began fighting. The two suspects ran from the location after taking the marijuana.

Police said they responded to a similar robbery on March 26 involving a marijuana collective outside the city. The collective received a telephone order for delivery to a location in the 1300 block of Temple Avenue in Long Beach.

The collective employee was approached by a male suspect who directed him to the rear of an apartment complex where another suspect robbed the employee of marijuana and personal items at gunpoint.

The robberies did not result in injuries and no shots were fired, police said.

Detectives also found evidence from a March 20 robbery in the 1300 block East Pacific Coast Highway not related to a marijuana collective. In that case the victim was walking to his vehicle when two suspects approached him. One brandished a firearm and demanded property.

Robbery detectives are still looking for the second suspect who they believe assisted Pulliam.

Anyone who may have information regarding this ongoing investigation is urged to contact Long Beach Police Robbery Detective Rudy Romero at 562-570-5538. Anonymous tips may be submitted by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), texting TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org.